Anderson, Kenneth H., 87, February 5, 2014.
HOULTON and LAKELAND, FLA. – Kenneth H Anderson of Houlton, Maine and Lakeland, Florida had the sun set on his earthly life on February 5, 2014. His father and mother, Ernest and Mary Anderson, welcomed him into the family some 87 years ago.
Ken was one of seven children. His siblings are, Florence Burtchell, Ruth Tingley, Mary Williams, Geraldine Fish, Robert Anderson, and Russell Anderson. His parents wanted a better life for their children and insisted on continued education. Ken graduated from Houlton High and then attended college at George Washington University in DC.
Ken enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Destroyer Myles C Fox, patrolling the South Pacific. He studied hard and became a Fire Controlman 3rd class; a young man from Aroostook County with his finger on the trigger of the destroyer guns.
Ken and Robert owned a small grocery store on High Street. The store was located on the ground floor where they were raised. Anderson Bros grocery store became a icon of the community. Years later, I remember people telling me that their family would have starved if it had not been for the generosity that was extended by the Anderson Brothers. They later owned the Western Auto Store in Market Square. Many will remember buying their first fishing pole, bicycle, car parts, etc. from Ken and Doreen.
Ken and Doreen always exhibited a wandering spirit. They rode their motorcycles across the US. When they retired, they sold everything, bought a motor home and lived on the road for five years. Eventually they settled in Lakeland, Florida. They have been there and done everything they wanted. Doreen was always the adventurer and wanted to be first. She finished first and now Ken is catching up.
Vera Mitchell, a long time friend of both Ken and Doreen, joined Ken in Lakeland and continued the travelling adventures. When the sun started to set on Ken, he and Vera were in Key West enjoying the sunset.
We have lost another member of the “Greatest Generation”. Those who gave so much and asked so little in return.
